Do you need a referral for facet joint injection?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that help guide movement. An injection may be considered when pain appears consistent with irritation from these joints and other care has not provided enough relief. The assessment may include your pain pattern, examination, medication history, and imaging when appropriate.

A pain-management clinician or radiology team may perform the procedure, sometimes with imaging guidance. A referral helps the service check whether the injection is suitable, review medicines that affect bleeding or blood sugar, and plan safe follow-up. Local booking rules vary.

Ask your primary doctor, spine clinician, or physiotherapist whether a referral is appropriate and which service should receive it. When contacting the clinic, ask about preparation, medication instructions, fasting, transport home, and whether you need to bring previous imaging.

Keep realistic goals in mind: the injection is an assessment or treatment option, not a substitute for identifying the source of back or neck pain. Ask how it fits with exercise, activity changes, or other non-invasive care.

Seek urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening leg or arm weakness, fever with severe back pain, or a serious recent injury. After an injection, urgent review is needed for severe worsening pain, fever, spreading redness, new weakness, or difficulty breathing.

Ask: What findings suggest the facet joint is contributing to my pain? What medicines need review? Will imaging guide the injection? What activity is suitable afterward? How will we decide whether the treatment helped?